Bucharest, May 13, 2026
Carstens Consulting Global (CCG) was proud to serve as a community partner for an exceptional evening discussion hosted by the AUSA Prince Cuza Chapter – Bucharest, held in event partnership with STARC4SYS S.R.L. at the Epoque Hotel Bucharest.
The gathering brought together leaders from the defense, business, and strategic affairs communities for a candid and forward-looking exchange on the future of NATO’s Eastern Flank, and on Romania’s evolving role within the transatlantic security architecture.
The Discussion
At the heart of the evening was a substantive conversation on electronic warfare: its growing importance in shaping commanders’ decisions on the modern battlefield, and its role in denying adversaries freedom of maneuver in the electromagnetic domain. As the conflict in Ukraine has made unmistakably clear, the electromagnetic environment is now a decisive space, and the evening’s discussion reflected both the urgency and the complexity of that reality.
The event marked the first in a new series of Army Leadership Discussions organized by the AUSA Prince Cuza Chapter, a series that promises to become an important fixture in Bucharest’s defense and security calendar.
Distinguished Participants
CCG and the AUSA Prince Cuza Chapter are deeply grateful to Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges for his remarks, which set the tone for the evening with characteristic clarity and conviction. General Hodges’ perspective on deterrence, transatlantic cooperation, and the enduring importance of a warrior ethos offered a timely and grounding framework for the discussions that followed. His continued commitment to this region, and to the alliances that underpin it: remains an inspiration.
The evening was further enriched by the presence of former Romanian Ministry of National Defense State Secretary Otilia Sava and Major General Pop, Deputy Commanding General of the Romanian Land Forces. Their participation reflected the depth of institutional commitment to the U.S.-Romania defense partnership and added both weight and warmth to the occasion.
A Community of Partners
Events of this caliber are only possible through the generosity and commitment of those who believe in the work. CCG is grateful to co-sponsors Epoque Hotel Bucharest – Relais & Châteaux and Scandia Food for their continued support of the AUSA Prince Cuza Chapter’s mission, and to STARC4SYS S.R.L. for their event partnership.
Looking Ahead
The evening reaffirmed something CCG has long believed: that the most consequential work at the intersection of defense, investment, and regional resilience happens not only in formal settings, but in rooms where trusted networks come together for honest conversation. The Eastern Flank demands exactly this kind of sustained, cross-sector collaboration, and CCG remains committed to supporting it.
We look forward to the next gathering.